Our Lady of Sorrows surrounded by 2 Angels

This moving drawing is closely connected to an etching by Willem de Leeuw (in reverse) after Peter Paul Rubens’ Mater Dolorosa (R. Judson, CRLB, Part VI, The Passion of Christ, p. 160, no. 42, plates 128–130). As Judson notes, it remains uncertain whether De Leeuw’s print—and the drawing traditionally attributed to him—was based on a now‑lost painting, an oil sketch, or a drawing by Rubens. What is beyond doubt, however, is that the composition originates with Rubens himself: the inscription “PP. Rubens Invent / W. Leeuw fecit” clearly identifies Rubens as the inventor of the design, which Judson dates to around 1618–1620.

For stylistic reasons, the present sheet can be attributed to Abraham van Diepenbeeck, one of Rubens’ most gifted collaborators. Van Diepenbeeck was deeply involved in the master’s studio and is known to have produced drawn interpretations of Rubensian compositions. The refined modelling, the sensitive handling of the facial expression, and the controlled yet expressive line all correspond closely to Van Diepenbeeck’s mature draughtsmanship.

38.8 x 28.7 cm 
Black cray, 2 watermarks ( crowned double eagle and  "P"-monogram)
17th century